Simon Rimmer is replaced on Sunday Brunch days after his father’s death

Simon Rimmer was replaced on Sunday Brunch this weekend, days after his father Peter died aged 89.

Miquita Oliver, 39, stepped in for tragedy-hit Simon, 60, to host the Channel 4 show alongside Tim Lovejoy, 55.

The show was struck by a second crisis to deal with, when the scheduled chef pulled out at the last minute due to a ‘family emergency.’

Since Greek Cypriot cook Georgina Hayden was unable to be there to whip up tasty dishes, host Tim stepped up to the plate, and created a feast using her recipes. 

At the beginning of the show, Tim revealed: ‘Miquita Oliver is here. As you may know, Simon [Rimmer] has stepped away from the show this week. We’re sending him our love.’ 

Sad news: On Friday, Simon shared that his father Peter had died aged 89, as he posted a photograph of them together to social media

Quick change! Sunday Brunch was struck by a second crisis, when the scheduled chef, Georgina Hayden, pulled out at the last minute due to a ‘family emergency’

Miquita then announced: ‘Now Georgina Hayden was due to cook for Simon this week but sadly she’s had a family emergency, so Tim is cooking! Shall I call you chef Tim today?’ 

‘Chef Lovejoy,’ Tim replied, while Miquita asked: ‘Chef Lovejoy, what are you making?’

He explained: ‘Well, it was weird cos last night I got the text going, ”Can you cook tomorrow on the show?” [and I was like], ‘Really???’ Yeah I am! So I’m doing Georgina’s recipes.’

‘Oh right, so you’re taking on quite a big chef’s recipes then!’ stated Miquita.

The duo were joined by Ellie Taylor, Judge Rob Rinder, actor Nick Mohammed, Bridget Christie and Olivia Dean.

On Friday, Simon shared that his father had died, posting a photograph of them together to social media and writing: ‘It’s with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my hero, my dad Peter.’ 

As Sunday Brunch aired, the TV chef updated fans on how he was processing the loss, by uploading a snap of himself with his pet pooch Cali.

He wrote alongside: ‘I am overwhelmed at all the beautiful messages about my dad. We’re taking it one day at a time and looking out for each other and especially my mum. A windy walk with Cali at New Brighton whilst talking to dad helped x.’ 

Update: As Sunday Brunch aired, the TV chef updated fans on how he was processing the loss, by uploading a snap of himself with his pet pooch Cali

Back in 2018, Simon opened up about his late father being diagnosed with cancer when he was a child.

Speaking to The Mind Map, he described his dad’s health battle as his biggest life challenge so far.

He said: ‘As I look back, to my childhood I remember being nine years old and my dad being diagnosed with cancer and was told he had very little chance of survival – he’s now 84 and still going strong.

‘I remember my dad being a very strong human being and I remember him using that when he was fighting his illness – he had the power of positivity and mental agility and that always stuck with me.’